Chelsea Could Face Transfer Ban Over Signing Of Underage Players

Chelsea and four other unidentified English clubs are under investigation by Fifa for the alleged violations and could face transfer bans if found guilty, according to multiple reports in the British media.

Chelsea says it is cooperating with Fifa investigation into possible violations of the global soccer governing body’s rules regarding the signing of foreign players under the age of 18.

French investigative website Media part reported on Wednesday that Fifa’s Integrity and Compliance unit would seek to impose a two-year transfer ban on the clubs as well as a fine of 500,000 Swiss francs (382,323 pounds).

Media part is one of several media outlets publishing documents obtained by Football Leaks.

The Football Leaks documents were obtained by German publication Der Spiegel and reviewed by Reuters in partnership with European Investigative Collaborations, a network of international media.

Chelsea said in a statement on Wednesday that “the club has fully cooperated with Fifa and has provided comprehensive evidence demonstrating its compliance with the applicable Fifa regulations”.

Fifa’s rules prohibit international transfers of players under the age of 18 unless their parents have emigrated for reasons unconnected to football or both player and club are based within 50 km of a national border.

Spanish clubs Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have fallen foul of the rules in the past, with all three serving transfer bans for violations.

Fifa opened its investigation into the English clubs in September last year and said in a statement on Wednesday that it had not yet reached a decision.

Donatus Anichukwueze is a journalism graduate from the Lagos State University, School of Communication. He's a writer with special interest in technology, sports, entertainment and politics. He's also a true and true Chelsea FC fan.